Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost
Eco Nepal Trekkers
Annapurna Circuit trek is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. It is located in the Annapurna Region of Gandaki Province in north-central Nepal.
During the Annapurna Circuit Trek journey, you will cover 160-230 kilometers (depending on the route). The trek normally takes around 15 to 20 days to complete, depending on which trail you choose and how long you want to spend acclimatizing.
In this blog, we will give you detailed information about the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost so that you can manage the budget while preparing for the trek. So let’s continue reading;
Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost
One of the first expenses you will encounter is the cost of permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): It will cost NPR 3,000 plus 13% VAT for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and there will be no charge for foreign diplomats and children under 10.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The cost of the TIMS Card for the foreigner is NPR 2,000 plus 13% VAT and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nations.
For Details about the permit check here: Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit
Transportation Cost for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit trek starting point of the trek is generally from the Besisahar. You can reach Besisahar by using the various modes of transportation such as local buses, tourist buses, and Hiace, and by hiring private vehicles.
The transportation costs vary depending upon the types of vehicle you choose:
- Tourist bus costs from Kathmandu to Besisahar: (approximately NPR 800 to NPR 1,500 / $6 to $12) The bus journey takes 6 to 8 hours.
- Private jeep hire cost from Kathmandu to Besisahar: (approximately NPR 8,000 to NPR 12,000 / $60 to $100).
- Return Journey from Manang or Jomsom: There are various options, such as a jeep back to Pokhara or Kathmandu, ranging from NPR 3,000 to NPR 7,000 ($25 to $60).
- Jomsom to Pokhara Flight cost: around $174, the cost may vary depending upon season availability
- Pokhara to Kathmandu flight cost: around $188, the price may vary depending upon season availability
- Pokhara to Kathmandu road transportation cost: (approximately NPR 800 to NPR 1,5000 / $6 to $150 [ local bus, tourist bus, taxi, jeep, hiace are available] )
For detail about transportation check here: Kathmandu to Besisahar, Kathmandu to Pokhara Travel Guide
Accommodation Cost During Annapurna Circuit Trek
On the classic route of the Annapurna Circuit trek, there are lots of mountain lodges popular with name tea houses. At the lower altitude, the tea house facilitates the trekkers with a wide range of facilities like single rooms with attached bathrooms, wifi, hot shower, charging station, etc.
The higher you reach the more limited facilities you can find in the tea house. Therefore the cost of the tea house varies depending upon the location and level of comfort you choose while staying in the tea house.
Accommodation in the Annapurna Circuit varies in pricing based on the location and level of comfort. In general:
- Teahouses: $5 to $30 per night for basic rooms.
- Guesthouses and lodges: In more developed areas or off-season, you might pay $15 to $30 per night for a private room.
Food Cost During Annapurna Circuit Trek
You will find the facilities of meals inside the tea house during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Tea House provides three meals for the trekkers; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A wide variety of meal options are available while staying in the tea house but at the higher altitude, you will have only a limited choice. Also, the price of the meal will be high in the high altitude areas due to lack of transportation and weather conditions.
- For breakfast: The cost of the breakfast will normally cost you from $3 to $8. The common foods you can expect for breakfast are Tibetan bread, a variety of eggs, sandwiches, hot milk, cereals, and paratha with hot beverages like tea and coffee.
- For Lunch and Dinner: The cost for the lunch and the dinner will cost you $5-15$. Lunch and dinner are almost the same. The common foods that you can expect during lunch and dinner are Dal Bhat, veg and non-veg Tarkari, soup, momo, chow mein, Thukpa, pizza, spaghetti, etc.
- Beverage: Bottle water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks will cost you from 1$-5$.
Guiding and Porter Hire Cost for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Hiring a Guide is extremely important if you are trekking for the first time because this Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging journey. An experienced guide will help you to have a safe and smooth journey with opportunities to immerse in local culture and traditions. In every step, you will get to learn new things with your guide. Similarly, the porter will take your burden by carrying the heavy logistic items.
- Hiring Guide For Annapurna Circuit trek will cost you $30-50 per day
- Hiring Porter For Annapurna Circuit Trek will cost you $25-30 per person
- Hiring Porter cum Guide For Annapurna Circuit Trek will cost you $25-35 per day
Further reading about Guide and Porter Hiring for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Additional Expenses For Annapurna Circuit Trek
Gear Rental or Purchase:
If you don’t have the necessary trekking gear for the Annapurna Circuit trek then you may need to rent or buy it. This could cost anywhere from $50 to $200.
Continue reading: Nepal Trekking Packing List
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is a must-have for trekkers who want to undertake the Annapurna Circuit trek. Insurance coverage can range from $30 to $150 depending on the extent of coverage.
Miscellaneous:
These miscellaneous items like snacks, drinks, water, tips, souvenirs, wifi, hot shower, charging, etc also add some cost to overall your budget for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Therefore you need to put aside a small amount like $50-200$ for this.
Total Estimated Cost For Annapurna Circuit Trek
Item Cost (USD)
Permits $33
Transportation $25 to $95
Accommodation $150 to $450
Food $225
Guide/Porter $225 to $450
Gear Rental/Purchase $50 to $200
Travel Insurance $30 to $100
Miscellaneous $50 to $100
Total Estimated Cost $785 to $1,825 Per Person
Some Frequently Asked question about Annapurna Circuit Trek
What is the altitude of Annapurna Himalaya?
The altitude of Annapurna Himalaya is 8,091 meters (26,545 ft) above sea level and it is the 10th highest mountain in the world.
How long does it take to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
On Average it takes 15 – 20 days to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
What cold is Annapurna?
The temperature conditions vary depending on the season you travel. Even during the summer and peak season at the high altitude, it can be extremely cold especially at night and in the morning.
How hard is it to do Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit trek is classified as moderately challenging which means trekkers need to prepare enough in advance before undertaking this trek. Trekkers need to be both physically and mentally fit to overcome the challenges that occur during the trek.
Is there a chance of altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Yes, there is a chance of altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This is because the trek reaches the altitude of Thorong La Pass, which is 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. The symptoms of altitude sickness are seen in some trekkers when trekking altitude above 3,000m therefore you need to learn about altitude sickness symptoms and preventive measures before undertaking the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Learn more about altitude sickness: Altitude Sickness During Annapurna Circuit Trek
Can we do a solo trek for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Unfortunately after the government of Nepal Banned solo trekking, presently trekkers cannot do solo trek. Therefore we suggest you hire a licensed guide with you while undertaking the Annapurna Circuit trek.
How to hire the Guide and Porter for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
If you trek Annapurna Circuit trek through the assistance of the local trekking agency in Nepal then most of them provide free guide and porter service in the package. You can also find the guide and porter in the streets of Thamel but make sure then you will not get scammed. Therefore we suggest getting only through the registered trekking agency.
How do I find the best trekking agency for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
To find the best trekking agency for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, start by reviewing agencies online and reading customer feedback on their websites. Additionally, seek recommendations from friends or fellow trekkers who have previously completed the trek. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed choice.
When is the best time to go for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best time to go for the Annapurna Circuit trek is during the peak season of the trekking which is spring and autumn season. During this season most of the time the weather conditions remain stable and day temperature becomes moderate for trekking. Also clear view of the sky which offers a stunning view of mountain peaks and beautiful landscapes many prefer to trek in these two seasons.
Read more here about the Best Time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
How much does Annapurna Circuit Trek cost in total?
The cost of the Annapurna Circuit trek normally ranges from $785 to $1,825 Per Person. If you are in a large group the cost will be lower and if you are solo or in a small group then the cost will be higher. Also, the overall cost depends upon several factors like duration, service, season, transportation, the trekking agency you choose, etc.
Do I need to be physically fit for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Yes, you need to be in good physical condition for the Annapurna Circuit Trek as this trek presents challenges and you need to walk for 5-7 hours in difficult mountain terrain conditions.
How to book Annapurna Circuit Trek for Autumn?
Many trekkers love to trek in the Autumn as it is one of the best trekking seasons for most of the trek like the Everest base camp trek, Langtang Valley trek, Gosaikunda trek including the Annapurna Circuit trek itself. If you want to book the trek you can call, via WhatsApp, IMO, or Viber at +977-9813322433 or mail us at [email protected]
Can I customize the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary?
Yes, with the assistance of the Eco Nepal Trekkers, we will help you to customize the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary that fit your interest, preference, and what you’re seeking in the trek.
Final Say
We hope that you learn in detail about the cost breakdown for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Understanding it is crucial for effective budget management. Proper planning will help you to make your journey adventurous and stress-free and you can enjoy your trek to the maximum level.
If you want to know anything about the Annapurna Circuit trek like permit, best time, guide and porter hiring, booking, or anything else then you can contact us at +977-9813322433.